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At rock bottom after a week on Sertraline

Posted , 3 users are following.

greta63936
greta63936

After a week on only 25 mg sertraline I'm suffering from just about every side effect in the book, depression, anxiety, lack of appetite, no motivation, fatigue. Dr says I should try to stick it as things should improve. I was due to increase dosage to 50 mg after a fortnight but he says to delay that for another week.

I see some people don't improve until at least three weeks in, how on earth do I keep going until then?

I only started them prior to CGT starting in a few weeks but now I wish I hadn't despite being pretty rough before.

Can anyone else relate to this?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Caraviva
    Caraviva greta63936

    Posted

    Hi Greta

    I can only advise that you try and stick to it. The first few weeks are truly horrible and you do feel like you are going mad - plus all the physical problems. But you should start to feel better after 4 weeks and by 6 to 8 you will be a new you hopefully.  My doctor told me a lot of people give up in the first couple of weeks, but if you can keep going you will feel better eventually. I am in week 5 now and I am finally able to get out of bed in the morning and stay focussed most of the day, if anything I have more energy now than I did before sertraline. People are noticing the difference in me as I am returning to the old self that has not been around for over 2 years.  If you really can't cope with the side effects ask your doctor for something that will help you get through them such as anti nausea tables. I hope you feel better soon. 

    • greta63936
      greta63936 Caraviva

      Posted

      Hi Caraviva

      Thanks for that, it does seem sticking to it does seem worth it in the end. It's just that even four weeks seems for ever right now. I thought I was made of tougher stuff but I think that was in another life!

      Nice to know you're coming out the other side, hope I'll be able to say the same.

      Greta.

  • lorraine82455
    lorraine82455 greta63936

    Posted

    Try to stay on 25 for a bit. When I increased to 50 the side effects doubled, had to go back down after 22 days on fifty
    • greta63936
      greta63936 lorraine82455

      Posted

      That's interesting, I did wonder if things get lot worse on an increased dose. I'll bear it in mind when the time comes.

  • thomas96833
    thomas96833 greta63936

    Posted

    I can relate. On my 4th day and struggling. Literally been in bed most of today after two days not sleeping. My anxiety is definitely a lot worse now however my mind is quieter. It's a bit strange. Due back in work tomorrow but I genuinely can't see how I will get through a 10 hour shift like this.

    Might have to ask to get signed off again, but I really need the pay rolleyes. This sucks.

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